FAQ
Experienced Anaesthetic Care You Can Trust
At Hillcrest Anaesthetists, our priority is patient safety, comfort, and professional medical care throughout every stage of your procedure.
Our team works closely with surgeons, hospitals, and healthcare providers to ensure each patient receives attentive and personalised anaesthetic support.
We are committed to maintaining high standards of clinical excellence while helping patients feel informed, reassured, and supported before, during, and after surgery.
Advanced Monitoring & Patient Safety
Anaesthesia involves continuous monitoring and specialised care throughout every procedure. Our team uses modern monitoring equipment and works closely with surgeons and hospital staff to help ensure patient safety, comfort, and professional clinical support at all times.
We are committed to delivering attentive anaesthetic care while helping patients feel reassured and informed throughout their surgical journey
Clear Answers Before Your Procedure
We understand that patients may have questions regarding medical aid, PMBs, co-payments, specialist billing, authorisations, and surgical preparation. Our goal is to provide clear information, transparent guidance, and patient-focused support to help you feel informed and reassured before treatment.
Common Questions Patients Ask Before Surgery
We understand that patients may feel anxious or uncertain before a procedure. Below are some of the most common topics patients ask about regarding anaesthesia, medical aid, billing, and recovery. Our goal is to help patients feel informed, prepared, and reassured throughout their surgical journey.
What Does An Anaesthetist Do?
An anaesthetist is a specialist medical doctor responsible for administering anaesthesia, monitoring vital signs, managing pain control, and helping ensure patient safety before, during, and after surgery.
Why Might There Be A Co-Payment?
Medical aid schemes do not always cover the full cost of specialist services or procedures. Depending on your medical aid plan, available benefits, PMB status, and specialist rates, a shortfall or co-payment may apply.
What Is Gap Cover?
Gap cover is designed to assist patients with certain shortfalls between what medical aid pays and the actual specialist costs charged for treatment or procedures.
What Are PMBs?
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are a set of defined conditions that medical aids are required to cover under certain circumstances according to South African medical aid regulations. Coverage may still depend on authorisation requirements and scheme rules.
What Patients Commonly Ask
GENERAL PATIENT INFORMATION
An anaesthetist is a specialist medical doctor responsible for administering anaesthesia, monitoring vital signs, managing pain control, and helping ensure patient safety before, during, and after surgery.
The type of anaesthesia used depends on the procedure, your medical condition, and the treatment plan discussed with your surgeon and anaesthetist. Some procedures require general anaesthesia, while others may use regional or sedation techniques.
Fasting before surgery helps reduce the risk of complications during anaesthesia. Patients should carefully follow all fasting instructions provided before their procedure.
Modern anaesthesia is highly advanced and carefully monitored. Throughout your procedure, your anaesthetist continuously monitors your heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and overall condition.
Some patients may experience temporary drowsiness, nausea, sore throat, or mild discomfort after surgery. Recovery experiences vary depending on the procedure and type of anaesthesia used.
MEDICAL AID & BILLING QUESTIONS
Medical aid schemes do not always cover the full cost of specialist procedures or services. Depending on your medical aid plan and benefits, a shortfall or co-payment may apply.
Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) are a set of defined medical conditions that medical schemes are legally required to cover under certain circumstances according to South African medical aid regulations.
Gap cover is additional insurance designed to assist with certain shortfalls between what medical aid pays and the actual specialist costs charged for treatment.
Medical aid cover depends on your specific plan, available benefits, authorisation approvals, PMB rules, and medical aid scheme rates. Patients are encouraged to confirm benefits directly with their provider before surgery.
Many medical aids require pre-authorisation before certain procedures or hospital admissions. This helps confirm available benefits and whether the treatment qualifies for cover under your medical aid plan.